Overview

• Investigators found a broken center-line pole before the collision point and suspect the truck veered into the opposing lane.
• The July 14 head-on collision between a Shikokuchuo City–owned truck and an Iyotetsu Bus service killed the truck driver and one passenger and injured 12 others.
• The bus was engulfed in flames for about 90 minutes before firefighters extinguished the blaze and authorities closed the highway for roughly 15 hours.
• Officers seized documents and other materials from the Shikokuchuo construction firm under the Automobile Driving Penalties Act.
• The undivided single-lane stretch—which accounts for about 70% of the Tokushima Expressway—is now under review for safety upgrades.